Waterwise in Docklands

Raising awareness of water safety through water sports

In June 247 Year 5 children from six schools on the Isle of Dogs took part in watersports activities at the Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre in East London. The project, which has been running now for five years, has been set up with support from the London Borough of Tower Hamlets to raise awareness of the dangers of swimming in the docks. Elaine Stanley, British Waterways Learning Services Officer for London, says ‘Each summer we have problems with young people swimming in the docks. We are trying to address these issues in a fun way by teaching all 10 and 11 year old children who live locally each year not only about the dangers of swimming in the docks but also how to enjoy the water safely by learning to sail or kayak at the Sailing Centre. These half day sessions are very popular with the teachers and children alike – many teachers have commented that it is the trip that they look forward to each year!’ This year one of the canoe instructors who was leading the sessions was inspired to learn how to canoe by attending one of these sessions when he was at primary school.